Question

which of the statements is true about the following structure?

ch2oh
|
c = o
|
h - c - oh
|
ch2oh

select the correct answer below:

there are four chiral carbons in the structure.

there are three chiral carbons in the structure.

there are two chiral carbons in the structure.

there is only one chiral carbon in the structure.

Explanation:

Step1: Definition of chiral carbon

A chiral carbon is a carbon atom bonded to four different groups.

Step2: Analyzing the structure

In the given structure, only the central carbon (the one with \(H\), \(-OH\), \(-CH_2OH\) and the carbonyl - attached carbon groups) is bonded to four different groups. The other carbons (\(CH_2OH\) carbons) have two \(H\) atoms attached (not four different groups), and the carbonyl carbon (\(C = O\)) has double - bond (not four single bonds to different groups).

Answer:

There is only one chiral carbon in the structure.